Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/graphite heterogeneous porous carbon nanofiber composite mat by electrospraying method for efficient oil–water separation

The efficient separation of oil and water is significant in addressing oil–water pollution issues. In a new study, a poly(vinylidene fluoride)/graphite (PVDF/GE) multiscale heterogeneous porous carbon nanofiber composite mat (MHPCM) through a two-step electrospinning method for enhanced oil–water separation has been developed. The mat was prepared by incorporating PVDF nanospheres, GE flakes, and carbon nanofibers, taking advantage of their inherent oil-repellent and water-attracting properties.

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MHPCM-4 demonstrates superhydrophobicity (WCA≈154.1°) and superoleophilicity (OCA≈0°). The separation efficiency for 1–14 μm carbon tetrachloride-in-water emulsions exceeds 99.9%. After 25 cycles, MHPCM-4 maintains its oil flux at 92.25% of the initial value. Additionally, even after 25 cycles, MHPCM-4 retains a separation efficiency of 99.8% for immiscible oil-in-water mixtures and a separation efficiency of 99.7% for water-in-oil emulsions. Thus, this material has great potential for efficient oil–water separation in various circumstances.

This research was published in Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 21, 2024.